The Marquess's Masked Archer

Headliners and Heartstrings #1

by Abbey Downey

A hidden identity. A relentless marquess. And a summer where love could expose everything.

When Cleveland society parades debutante Sylvie Bryce before another string of unsuitable suitors, she secretly claims the one thing no one can arrange for her—a life of her own. Hidden beneath a green velvet hood and emerald mask, she becomes the mysterious Lady Robin, a daring trick-shot archer who captivates the crowds at Cedar Point resort. It’s the one place where Sylvie answers to no one. The last thing she needs is a charming English marquess threatening to unravel everything she has worked so hard to build.

Miles Wentworth didn't come to Ohio looking for love. He came to study insects, escape the shadow of a devastating scandal, and prove that a man can build a life on his own terms. But a chance encounter with a boldly independent woman—first in a glittering ballroom, and then behind the mask of a legendary archer—upends every carefully laid plan. Determined to protect her, even from himself, Miles steps into a dangerous game of secrets and deception—one that draws them closer with every anonymous letter and stolen moment…even as the truth has the power to ruin them both.

A richly atmospheric Gilded Age romance brimming with wit, hidden identities, and the tender courage it takes to love without pretense—a tale of a sharp-shooting socialite, a science-minded lord, and the summer of secrets that will change them both forever. Perfect for fans of Jen Turano and Roseanna M. White.

Genres: Historical, Romance

300 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication September 15, 2026

Reviews

[Kristi W - Book Love By Kristi · Rating 4 out of 5]

“You said you love me, and it sounded as if living without me for the rest of your life would be unbearable.”

This delightful friends to more story is filled with faith, hidden identities, secrets, rivals, and a few letters. I enjoyed the setting and loved the glimpse of life on the lake islands in the Gilded Age.

Sylvie is bold, caring, and joyful. I loved her wit and enthusiasm for her show. I loved her “Lady Robin” persona. She was very stubborn in only seeing one way of not letting her overbearing mother get her way (which made me want to shake her a few times). I loved how much she came to depend on and enjoy her friendship with Miles despite herself. I loved the little ways she tried to stand up for herself and do what she thought was right. Miles! Miles is charming, intelligent, and determined. He falls fast and hard for Sylvie. I loved all the different ways he tried to prove to Sylvie that he was right for her, his determination was so endearing. I loved his honesty and sharing his past with Sylvie. I loved his time with his mother and their sweet reconnection. I loved that Sylvie and Miles learned the importance of seeking God’s will and following His leading. They had a long, somewhat twisty way to their happily ever after but it was beautifully sweet.

A few more quotes:
🐞Oh, but he was in a great deal of trouble if he couldn’t figure out a way to win her heart. 🐞

“From the moment I first saw you, I was enchanted. That sounds trite, perhaps, something any suitor might utter. But it must be said because it is the reality of my every waking moment.”

🏹 She’d experienced love—wild, unexpected, overwhelming love—and mere like paled in comparison. 🏹

This complimentary copy was provided by the author. I was not required to give a positive review, rating and opinions are my own.

[Taylor Veruchi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoy Abbey’s strong female characters she writes into her stories and Sylvie does not disappoint! Will keeping secrets work for either Sylvie or Miles? This book is a good reminder to not try to force our own plans and to be more mindful and open to the good that God places in our lives. And a reminder of the freedom we have in Christ. What a great book that I will recommend to everyone!

[Christy · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I read the book's synopsis, I knew I just had to read this! I read "Cleveland" and "Cedar Point" and thought "Really? Cleveland, Ohio? Cedar Point in 1907? There's history there?" Okay, maybe not the last part about the history, but living a little over an hour south of Cleveland and about two hours from Cedar Point made me more than a little intrigued about how Downey could convince me that Ohio is really that interesting. Yes, I've lived here my whole life! I love Ohio...really, I do. I just had to know what made this her choice for a setting! Now I see why! Most of the book actually takes place on Put-in-Bay which I love! I had no clue that wealthy Clevelanders escaped the summer heat by moving to their island "cottages" (think small mansions) for the season! I've been to Put-in-Bay several times, and now I'm curious as to if these places are still standing.

The way that Downey brought this story to life was amazing! I loved Sylvie and Miles! Sylvie is a young woman in an age where she's got little freedom to choose her future. Her mother is convinced that marrying a wealthy man is Sylvie's only choice. However, Sylvie wants freedom to choose who she marries. She wants love not just contentment, so she decides to make her own money by working as an entertainer at Cedar Point. She's a talented archer, but she has to work in disguise. Society would never stop talking about her if they found out she had a job! Then swoon-worthy Miles enters Sylvie's life. He's a marquess with a secret past in England from which he's escaped. Of course, Sylvie's mom sets her sights on him as Sylvie's future. And....things just get all kinds of complicated!

I completely adored this book! The characters, setting, friends to more romance, secrets, secret admirer letters, archery shows, and time period make this a must read for lovers of Inspirational fiction. I highly recommend it!

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

[Trudy Cordle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVED Miles and Sylvie's story!! Miles and Sylvie meet when Miles has a summer position with Ohio State for the summer. He's staying with his friend, Alexander, and his wife, and is invited to all of the society events they are. He meets Sylvie at the first event, and from that moment on is drawn to her. Sylvie is slowly drawn to Miles, but she doesn't want to be, as that is exactly who her mother wants to set her up with. Sylvie wants to choose for herself, and she doesn't want her choice to be the same as her mother's. Miles decides he has to do something to get Sylvie's attention. He knows she's masquerading as Lady Robin, and edges his way in. He also writes some letters, hoping that they will show he sees her. When his secrets, and hers, come to light, Miles is called away for a family emergency. Will this tear them apart before they're truly together, or will Miles find Sylvie waiting for him when he returns?? I LOVE how both of them realize that God is in control and wants what's best for both of them. I love how, at the end, Sylvie's mother also comes to realize that she needs to change.

I received a complimentary copy of this book, was not required to leave a review, and the opinion expressed is my own.

[Betsy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a cute story with two main characters striving to assert themselves and plan their own lives without the shadows of their past or interfering, high society parents. The idea of a woman performing in archery in the early 20th century was completely unknown to me and I found that part of the storyline fascinating. The fact that Sylvie used this activity as an outlet from her overbearing parents showed how desperate she felt in her home life. Miles was considered the catch of the season as an English marquess, yet wanted nothing to do with the title that weighed him down. While I did enjoy the book, I found the secrets and deceptions throughout to be a bit convoluted. Still, the story was entertaining and I enjoyed learning about the history of this part of Ohio, including islands I didn’t know existed. Am curious to see what the next books in the series will feature.

I received an advanced reader copy from the publisher. A positive review was not required and these are my own and honest opinions.

[Valri Western · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was fascinating to learn about the activities of the rich in the early 1900's in Ohio near Cedar Point. They would leave Cleveland and head to the lakeshore and their "cottages" which were actually quite grand. The high society events still happened even during the summer at these "cottages". Sylvia is so tired of them. She wants to choose her own marriage partner and be in charge of her own life. Her overbearing mother refuses to let her on both accounts! Sylvia, therefore, decides to go undercover as a masked archer at the Cedar Point Resort.
Miles, even if he is a Marquess from England, doesn't like all the fuss about his title. He just wants to be seen as a regular man, which includes a scientist. He doesn't like all the fawning over by the society females because of his title either.
I liked how the story focuses on people wanting to be cared about for who they are and God's purposes for their lives. Miles & Sylvia have various challenges to overcome - will they be able to fight through them?

[April Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sylvie’s life is burdensome to her because she wants a true marriage and not one forced on her by her mother. She is determined to be free. None of the suitors her mother throws her at will do, even the new Marquess from England. But she discovered Miles is different and struggles with everything society throws at him. Their friendship grows until they secretly care deeply for each other. But Sylvie cannot let go of her dream of freedom, even as her heart desires more with Miles. She has plans laid that need to happen.

Theirs is a journey of adventure, amusing events, serious talks, hidden secrets, and longing hearts. They have to overcome much for their HEA.

I enjoyed the novel. I’m glad I don’t live in such a judgmental and often harsh society as the rich elite of that era did. I agree with Sylvie and Miles…simple is so much better. The epilogue was very sweet, a glimpse into their lives after the wedding.

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher and these are my voluntary and honest opinions. I was not required to leave a positive review.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this story. Ms. Downey’s female main characters are always strong and push against the boundaries for their time but are never too modern. Sylvie is highly intelligent and wants to make her own decisions but is frustrated by the constraints of society and her mother (who I wanted to pinch!) The premise of Sylvie taking a job as an archer in a summer amusement park is clever and well done. I adore Miles. His mixture of book smarts, lack of confidence around women, and total integrity make him a wonderful hero. He also suffers thanks to societies expectations. Development of their friendship is sweet and kept me turning pages. The author has obviously done her research about archery and etymology, and the information is sprinkled with a light touch to educate the reader. Highly recommended!

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have to admit that as soon as I saw the beautiful cover of The Marquess's Masked Archer by Abbey Downey, I knew I had to read it. It starts off the Headliners and Heartstrings series and I thought it was a great way to start the series. I adored meeting the duo of Sylvie and Miles. Their story was full of action, adventure, and romance. I loved it and had no problem reading it fully in a short time.

I am going to give The Marquess's Masked Archer five stars. I highly recommend it for readers who love to read clean historical romance. I can not wait to find out what happens next in the second installment from Abbey Downey's Headliners and Heartstrings series.


I received a paperback copy of Abbey Downey's The Marquess's Masked Archer from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.

[Betti · Rating 5 out of 5]

Is she missing the blessings the Lord is putting right in front of her because she is trying so hard to do things her way?

1907 Sylvie is tired of being pushed to marry without any choice of her own. She just wants to be able to make some decisions for herself. The Marquess, incorrectly painted with a black marker, is trying to leave his past behind. Will these two well developed characters learn to leave it all in the Lord’s hands, even the secrets?

An early copy of Headliners and Heartstrings Book 1 was received through Wild Heart Books and BookFunnel. These thoughts are my own and were in no way solicited.

[Shonda · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Marquess Matched Archer
Fantastic story! The characters were well-developed and felt incredibly real. The plot is amazing! I couldn't read fast enough and found myself skimming because I was so immersed in the story. The romance is swoon-worthy but also layered with depth. The way God is integrated into the story was perfect. I enjoyed every part of it. This story never bored me; it took off from the first page and kept building. I couldn't put it down! I've discovered a new favorite author, and I will now read every book they publish. Absolutely a fabulous story!

[Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really like that the lady in this book is very active, I enjoy active leading lady’s. His is desperate for her and is willing to go undercover to win her, while she is unaware of that fact.

This book is sweet, clean and HEA.

It has God and Jesus in it but if you are not, it too that it is not overwhelming.

This review was given willing and I did not have to give a good review.
I am part of the ARC team.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

Abbey Downey’s The Marquess’s Masked Archer, was a very sweet read. I greatly enjoyed the faith-filled elements, as well as connecting with the characters of Sylvie and Miles. Although I found the story slow in places, I felt on the edge of my seat when it came to the end. I mean, of course they are going to get together, but how? I found myself immersed in the final pages, needing the closure that Sylvie and Miles would indeed get their happily-ever-after. (Spoiler alert: They do!)